appetite to learn

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'appetite to learn' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to someone's enthusiasm and eagerness to gain knowledge and understanding. For example: "John has such an appetite to learn that he always comes to class well-prepared and asks thoughtful questions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Graduating from the tea urn to 'number boy', snapping shut the clapperboard, his appetite to learn was voracious.

The Guardian - Film

"Given the high level of skill and expertise across British policing, it is not surprising that there is an international appetite to learn from the best.

The Guardian

"Every time I visit the boarding school I am inspired by the drive and commitment of the staff, as well as the enthusiasm of the children and their appetite to learn.

The Guardian

One of the things he likes most about college administration is that it feeds his voracious appetite to learn, and he says wide debate is necessary for making good decisions.

The New York Times

"New entrepreneurs have an appetite to learn: they are empire-building," said Trevor Traina, an Internet entrepreneur and the son of Dede Wilsey, one of San Francisco's most prominent socialites, whose father was the White House chief of protocol under President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The New York Times

Alison Winfieldirectortt, directof of London-based DIY skills workshop The Goodlife Centre, writes: My workshops have been teaching DIY courses regularly since we opened in 2011 and the appetite to learn the skills to tackle basic tasks around the home is huge – among men and women ranging from their early 20s to elderly singles and widows.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

The summit was a hit, and showed us that our companies have strong appetites to learn more ways to leverage data as a competitive tool.

TechCrunch

My trip to Serbia only increased my appetite to see and learn about new places.

The New York Times

Jenny had this appetite to read and learn and find her own identity, and in London things changed so quickly.

The New York Times

The trip only increased my appetite to travel, learn more and be exposed to different people.

The New York Times

We also make our degrees as flexible as possible, so for example arts students can study modules in forensic science and maths, while science students can study media, politics or history – a clear message to employers of an appetite and capability to learn new knowledge and skills.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "appetite to learn" with words that highlight intellectual curiosity, such as 'voracious', 'insatiable', or 'unquenchable', to enhance the impact of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "appetite to learn" in contexts where a simple 'interest' or 'willingness' to learn would suffice; reserve it for scenarios where a truly strong and enthusiastic desire for knowledge is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "appetite to learn" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object, describing a characteristic or quality related to learning. As confirmed by Ludwig, it expresses a person's eagerness and enthusiasm to gain knowledge.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "appetite to learn" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a strong and enthusiastic desire for acquiring knowledge. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage. While not extremely frequent, it appears most often in news and media contexts, and also in formal and business settings. Alternative phrases include "eagerness to learn" and "enthusiasm for learning". When writing, it's best to reserve this phrase for situations where you want to emphasize a strong and genuine desire for learning, avoiding overuse in more casual contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

eagerness to learn

Focuses on the enthusiasm and willingness to learn.

enthusiasm for learning

Highlights the excitement and passion associated with learning.

keenness to learn

Emphasizes a strong desire and interest in learning.

desire to learn

A more straightforward expression of wanting to gain knowledge.

interest in learning

Focuses on having an attraction and curiosity towards learning.

thirst for knowledge

Uses a metaphor to express a strong need and desire for knowledge.

hunger for knowledge

Similar to 'thirst', emphasizing a strong, innate need for learning.

passion for learning

Indicates a deep, intense enthusiasm and love for learning.

inclination to learn

Highlights a natural tendency or preference towards learning.

drive to learn

Emphasizes the internal motivation and ambition to pursue learning.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "appetite to learn" in a sentence?

Use "appetite to learn" to describe someone's enthusiastic desire for knowledge, as in, "The new employee demonstrated a strong "appetite to learn" new skills."

What are some alternatives to using "appetite to learn"?

You can use alternatives such as "eagerness to learn", "enthusiasm for learning", or "keenness to learn" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "desire to learn" and "appetite to learn"?

"Desire to learn" is a general term indicating a wish to gain knowledge, while "appetite to learn" suggests a more intense and enthusiastic craving for learning, akin to a hunger that needs to be satisfied.

When is it most appropriate to use the phrase "appetite to learn"?

The phrase "appetite to learn" is best used when you want to emphasize a person's strong and enthusiastic desire for knowledge, particularly in contexts like education, career development, or personal growth.